A lot of beliefs in this hobby are based on passive observations- i.e., someone added a UV sterilizer to their tank and, unknown to them, the fish's immune system fought off the ich parasites. UV gets the credit.

Fact is, the free-swimming stage is extremely short-lived. The chance of 25% being sucked into the UV before it finds a fish host or dies is slim.

Hmmm...I have never used a U.V. sterilizer.....Never quarantined a fish but have never had an Ich outbreak.I did add a Mag float though so if I were you I would definitely go grab one before your fish die.LOL Read these threads over and over there will be a test later.

AHH, the UV debate. I'm in the middle of Alex(ingtar) and vinny on this. I have a UV filter, its laying in a box and ready for sale. That being said, its not a bad idea. If you research it, it really does squat for Ich, unless you have a MONSTROUS UV filter, as far as actually killing of the Ich. What I think they can help with though is eliminating other bacteria/pathogens etc, which the fish then in turn, don't have to fight off, which, in turn, leaves them stronger and healthier, so they can fight the ich better.

But research how MUCH UV light over HOW LONG of duration it takes to kill ich, chances are you can't afford that Uv light And then factor in how little Ich actually spends in the water column to get sucked up in a UV and it doesn't add up. But IMO, not a bad idea, it doesn't hurt anything I guess, except your pod population a bit

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Reef aquariums made easy with 3reef aquarium forums - one of the oldest and friendliest aquarium forums online. 3reef came online in 1996 as 'Three Steps To A Reef Aquarium.' This title was created as an attempt to overcome the common fears associated with keeping a reef aquarium, especially at that time. 3reef still retains its roots and remains a friendly forum for new people interested in aquariums and veteran hobbyist alike.